Thursday Music News

Having dubbed August “Elliott Smith Month,” Kill Rock Stars is celebrating what would have been Elliott Smith’s 43rd birthday by releasing a series of rare tracks from the singer-songwriter’s recording sessions with the label. The first release is an alternative take of “Alameda” off his 1997 album Either/Or. In addition to the unreleased tracks, KRS is also offering up their entire Elliott Smith catalog for download at a discounted price. Check out the alternative take, featuring different lyrics than the album track, below:

Bon Iver has made all the stems for his sophomore album Bon Iver, Bon Iver available for download for free as part of a remix album competition, in what has the potential to result in some of the best (and possibly worst) remixes of the year. The contest, sponsored by Spotify, allows anyone and everyone the chance to create their own remix of their favorite song off the album. At the end of the month, the winners will receive $1000 and have their remix featured on an exclusive Spotify album. For more information, head over to Stereogum.

Modern funk hero and DJ extraordinaire Dam-Funk has announced a new EP in the works titled I Don’t Wanna Be A Star. The four track EP, which reportedly features a cover of Prince’s “17 Days,” the B-Side to “When Doves Cry,” will be released in the fall from Stones Throw Records. As he mentioned during his tragically short and undeniably funky set during Capitol Hill Block Party, Dam-Funk’s been making a lot of music recently, and to prove it he’s also released a new track titled “Happy,” which he describes as “No rocket science. Just a straight up summer ‘glide’ 4 U.” Check out the track below:

Tony Sly, lead guitarist for the pop-punk band No Use For A Name and solo artist, passed away yesterday at the age of 41. “One of my dearest friends and favorite song writers has gone way too soon,” said Fat Wreck Chords founder Fat Mike on the label’s website. “Tony, you will be greatly missed.” There has been no statement made regarding the cause of death.

After releasing the lead single “Dreams” from her forthcoming album Other Worlds a few weeks back, Sweeden’s own Taken By Trees has released the two additional tracks that will be featured on the Dreams 12″ due out next week on Secretly Canadian. Gorilla Vs. Bear has the full scoop on the Hawaiian inspired single and album, but in the meantime be sure to check out the truly dreamy original, as well as the newly released instrumental and dub version, below: